The Ripon Christmas tree lighting ceremony kicks off the Christmas season in Ripon on Thursday, Nov. 30, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park at the corner of First and Locust in Ripon.
The free community event will feature the Ripon Christian Choir as well as the Ripon High choir and band.
You can have pictures taken with Santa and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies at the event being staged by the Ripon Chamber of Commerce.
Ripon Hospice tree
lighting Dec. 1
Hospice of San Joaquin is conducting the Ripon Hospice Tree of Lights tree lighting ceremony on Friday, Dec. 1, at 6 p.m. ceremonies at the Mistlin Fountain Park at the corner of Main Street and Oak Avenue.
Hospice is asking the community to “Light Up a Light, Light Up a Life” by dedicating a light to remember or honor a loved one in this year’s Tree of Lights by donating to the Hospice of San Joaquin. The colors of the lights are associated with the family donation: $5 is red, $10 is green, $25 is blue, $50 is white, $100 is yellow, $250 is purple, $500 is orange and a $1,000 donation is for the treetop.
The Ripon tree lighting is being hosted by the City of Ripon, the Community and Youth Services Commission.
Light donations can be made online at www.hospicesj.org.
Cal Crush Clydesdales
rides on Dec. 2
The sound of Cal Crush Clydesdales hoofs clicking against street pavers in downtown Ripon will return Saturday, Dec. 2.
Vermeulen & Company, CPAs, is making it possible for the fifth straight year.
The accounting firm on Ripon’s Main Street has arranged with Ripon-based Cal Crush to offer rides in a wagon pulled by Clydesdale horses on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The family fun includes hot drinks, treats, and surprises. There will also be a harnessing demonstration at 1 p.m. outside Vermeulen & Company, CPAs, at 1180 West Main St.
Call 209.599.5051 for ticket reservations and available ride times.
The Messiah
set for Dec. 3
The most enduring Ripon Christmas tradition is tied to the reason for the season.
The 73rd annual presentation of Handel’s Messiah is set for Sunday, Dec. 3, at 3 p.m.
The Ripon Oratorio Society will present Handel’s masterpiece at Immanuel Christian Reformed Church, 517 Orange Ave., Ripon.
Taste of Ripon
wine stroll Dec. 7
The 22nd annual Taste or Ripon downtown wine stroll is Thursday, Dec. 7, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Tickets are $35 per adult while designated drivers are $15.
The wine glasses and tickets will be available that evening at the Main Street door of the Ripon Library as well as the Silverado Nursery on Stockton Avenue at Fourth Street. Tickets are also now on sale at the Ripon Chamber of Commerce in the 900 block of West Main Street.
In addition to various businesses offering wine tasting and finger foods there will also be Christmas carolers.
For more information contact the Ripon Chamber at 209.599.7519.
Downtown Ripon
Christmas parade
The downtown Ripon Christmas light parade takes place Thursday, Dec. 14, at 6 p.m. on main Street from Wilma Avenue to Stockton Avenue.
Registration by Dec. 1 is $10 for non-profit, $15 for commercial, and $5 for children. Late registration from Dec. 2-13 is $10 extra.
The theme is “Santa’s Workshop.”
The parade is presented by the Ripon Chamber of Commerce, Ripon Consolidated Fire Department, and the City of Ripon Police department.
For more information contact the Ripon Chamber at 209.599.7519.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com
